Mash and strainer tank machine.



A. R. KELLER.

MASH AND STHAINER TANK MACHINE.

APPucATloN FILED MAR. ls. 191s.

1,213,381. Patented Jan. 23,1917.

4 SHEETS-SHEET l.

Fla/-l fi Il v. Mw.

1u: wams grens co., Puumumn. wAsNmcmN. Bfli A. R. KELLER. MASH AND STRAINER TANK MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED MAR.I5|19I6 1,213,381 Patented Jan. 23,1917.

"tv SHEETS-SHEET 2.

/A/ VEA/707;

A. R. KELLER.

No 5TH/UNER TANK MACHINE.

, l 191e. 1,21 3381. Patented Jan. 23, 1917.

' 4 sHEETs-sHEET a.

A.'R'. KELLER.

MASH AND STRAINER TANK MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED I1IAR.I51 I9I6 4 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

Patented Jan. 23, 1917.'

A /A/I/E/Vo: WAV/@M ANDREAS It. KELLER, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

MASH AND STRAINER TANK MACHINE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Jan. 23, 1917.

Application filed March 15, 1916. Serial No. 84,346.

To all 'whom t may concern:

Be it known that I, ANDREAS REINHARD KELLER, a citizen of the United States, residing at 1215 Twenty-first avenue, in Melrose Park, a suburb of the city of Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented certain new `and useful Improvements in Mash and Strainer Tank Machines, of which the following is a specification. y

, This invention relates to new and useful improvements in mash and strainer tank machines and is particularly designed as an improvement upon the machine shown and described in Letters Patent No. 1,166,599, granted to me January 4th, 1916.

Primarily the features ofthe present invention reside in the novel construction of the strainer mechanism, the means for adjusting the said strainer mechanism and the mechanism for controlling said adjustment which is so located and arranged that the adjusted position of the strainers and Vagitators may be instantly ascertained y from the exterior of the tank, and may be quickly and conveniently altered when desired.

Among the objects are to increase the efficient operation of this type of machine by rendering the operations of mixing, cooking, straining and drawing off more reliable and rapid, to make provision for quickly and conveniently ,controlling the adjustment of the strainer mechanism from the exterior of the tank or tun, and to so arrange the machine and the parts thereof that they are readily and easily accessible for cleansing, repairing and replacement. I accomplish these and other objects as hereinafter described in the following specification and as particularly pointed out in the appended claims, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this application in which an embodiment of the improved machine and the parts thereof are shown.

A brief description of the figures in the drawings accompanying and forming a partof this application which consists of four sheets is as follows Figure 1, is a central vertical section through my improved tank with the interior operating parts in side elevation, and also showing the motor, speed reducing mechanism'and various exterior mechanisms in side elevation. Fig. Q, is a top elevation of the strainer mechanism detached from the machine. Fig. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary detail viewV of one of the strainer arms with the strainer mechanism in a closed or mashing position. Fig. 4, is an enlarged fragmentary detail kview of one of the strainer arms with the strainer mechanism in an open or straining position. Fig.A 5, is a side elevation of the fragment shown in Fig. 3, with the parts closed andin mashing position, similar to Fig. 3. Fig. 6, is an elevation of the fragment of the mechanism shown in Fig. looking at right angles to said Fig. 5. Fig. 7, isa section on lineV 7-7 Fig. 5, also showing the lower parts thereof in elevation. Fig. 8, is an enlarged detail of the double bottom. Fig. 9, is a transverse section on line 9-9 Fig. G, through one of the strainer tubes. Fig. 10, `is a transverse section on line YILO-10, Fig. '7.

of the controller also showing its connecting shaft and gearing. Fig. V18, isr an enlarged fragmentary top plan of the controller with parts thereof also partly shown in section. Fig. 19, is an enlargedv detail front elevation of the controller lever and its supporting plate and component parts with the lever in a central or neutral position. Fig. 20. is an enlarged detail front elevation of the controller lever and its supporting plate and component parts with the lever shifted to one side. Figs. 21, 22, Q3, and are diagrammatic views of the strainer mechanism, the controller and the connecting gearing to illustrate the different positions of these elements.

My present 'improved machine is of theV vertical tank type, having a tank or tun vrithin vwhich the agitators are located and revolve labout a centralvertical shaft, and

Fig. 11, is an enlarged detached plan view of the removable perforated botbeing provided with various inlet and outlet pipes for the material, steam, Water, etc., an operating motor and an adjusting and controlling mechanism for the strainer mechanism arranged in a convenient exv and is provided With an upwardly dished top 2, and a bottom 3. A kfalse bottom .el is arranged above the bottom being separated slightly to leave an intervening space and is jfrovid-ed ivith a series of perforations 6. This it vfill be noted provides a double bottom for the tank. A main shaft 7, extends centrally and vertically through the tank and a vertical inclosing casing 3, ts around the said shaft 7 and has its lovver portion depending through the double bottom of the tank. The shaft 7 is rotated :from a suitable motor 9, through an intermediate set of speed reducing gears 10, located verti -ally over the motor and connected to the lower extremity of said shaft. An agitator frame supported vvithin the tank has a central sleeve 1l, Which is litted around and keyed to the shaft with its lower end resting upon and supported by the casing S.

The upper portionA of the shaft '7, is made tubular as shown in Fig. 3 of my Patent No. 1,166,539, for the purpose explained in said patent to vvhich reference is to be made for the details thereof. As this construction forms no part of my present invention, no furthermention will be made herein.

Besides the entral sleeve 11, the agitator frame comprises tvo horizontal arms 12 which extendv nearly oppositely from said sleeve being' sli glitly offset as shovvn in Fig. 2. A series of blade agitators 13 are hung pendant from each arm and as shown in Fig. 1, these agitators are generally arranged in pairs and between each pair is arranged a tubular strainer tube 14, Which is attached to one side of pendant blade 15, and offset therefrom, see Figs. 5, 6 and 7. The loiver end of each tube is closed by a removable flanged bottom plate, 1G, Which is secured thereto by What l term a bayonet lock, the flanges of the plate being provided with oppositely located angular slots 17, and the tube end having oppositely projecting lateral pins 13. which slide and lock in the slots 1T. The bottom plate 16, is provided With straining perforations 19, and any plate may be easily removed or replaced by giving it a partial turn in the proper direction. The topinouth of each tube 1%, is closed by a swinging cover 20, which is provided with a vertical tubular supporting sleeve or arm 21 projecting up ward from one side edge thereof and carrying a spur gear Wheel 22, at its upper extremity, see Figs. 5, 6, 7, 15 and 16. The cover is supported by a vertical bolt, 23, (see Fig. lll), ivhich fits through the tubular sleeve or arm, 2l and through a lateral lug 2l. on the frame arm and is secured inV place an oblong nut Q5, shown in Fig. 13. The covers 20, are swung to cover or uncover the tubes by means of gear Wheel Q6, mounted on adjacent agitators Which mesh vvith the gear Wheels Q2.

Although in Fig. 1 the strainer tubes are shown each alternated between tivo pairs of the blade agitators it is obvious that they may be dilterently arranged if desired.

Fach of the agitators has a crank 27, at

its upper extremity which is provided With a. bifiircatedV outer end which straddles a projecting pinQS, on an adjustment bar 29. Tivo bars 29, are provided which extend parallel to and on opposite sides ofr the frame arms and each bar is shifted longitudinally to swing or turn all ofthe agitutors connected thereto by Worm and bevel gearing 30, which in turn is operated through a spur gear Wheel 31, which meshes with a barrel gear 32, arranged on a short vertical supplementary shaft 33, arranged on one side of the main shaft, in the upper portion of the tank. The shaft, 33 is rotated or partially rotated to shift the agitutors by a horizontal shaft 34, which Vis journaled in the tank top as shown more particularly in Fig. 17 and has a bevel gear 35, at its inner end which meshes With a bevel gear Wheel 36, on the shaft, 33 when in operating position and a hand Wheel 37, at its outer extremity. The shaft 34, is shifted longitudinally to move the gear Wheel 36 into and out of meshing position with respect to the bevel gear Wheel 35 by means of a controlling mechanism which is mounted on Ithe top'of the tank in proximity to the hand wheel. i

As shown in Figs. 17 to 20 the controlling mechanism comprises an upright dial or indicatin g plate 38, having an irregular curved marginal flange rllhe plate 33. is provided With a bearing 40, through which the horizontal shaft 3-l passes, and a second bearing vertically above the bearing l0, in which a short rock shaft ell, is journaled on Which an indicator hand L2 is mounted. The indicator hand 42 is provided with a pin -l3, at an intermediate point Which projects and slides in a curved slot ist, in the plate and thus limits the turning movement thereof. The dial is suitably mounted on one side of a block frame l5, the base 4G, of Which is bolted to the top of the tank neurone side thereof as shown in Fig. 17. Upon the shaft 3l, at a point between the hand'wheel and the dial is formed a circular or ring-V like enlargement- 47, the opposite sideedges 48 and 49, of which are oppositely beveled and attached and projecting from the indicator hand are a series of cam arms for longitudinally shifting the shaft Sel. As shown these cam arms comprise a central cani 50, which is provided with a. beveled surface 5l, which engages and cooperates with the beveled side edge i8 of the enlargement 47, to shift the shaft 34 outwardly and thus disengage the gear Wheel 35 fromV the gear Wheel 36 on the short vertical shaft and tivo curved side cam arms and 53, which eX- tend practically opposite to each other and generally in a transverse direction with respect to the indicator hand. rhese side cam arms bothliave bevel surfaces 54:, which enivith the bevel Vside edges 49, of the enlargement to shift the longitudinal shaft Sil, inwardly and bring the bevel gear Wheel `in meshing engagement With the bevel gear 36. These indicating points 55, 56 andV 57 are arranged on the dial in a curved rovv and are adapted to coperate with the indicator hand to indicate the adjusted position of the agitatoi's and the strainer tubes.

Referring to the diagrammatic vievvs Figs. 21 to 24 on Sheet 4 of the drawings, it Will be noted that the adjusted position of therstrainer mechanism may be instantly noted from the dial. In Fig. 21, the indicator hand is turned to -point` to the right hand side point 56, the bevel gears are in mesh and the strainer tubes are operate(y from a inashing position to a straining or grain removing position. In F ig. 22, the

indicator hand is turned to point to the left hand side point 57, the bevel gears are in mesh and the strainer tubes are operated from a straining or grain removing position to a meshing position. In Fig. 23, the indicator hand is turned to the central or'neutral point 55, the gears are out of mesh and the strainer tubes are in a straining and grain removing position. In the last Fig. 2li, the indicator hand is in a central or neutral position at the neutral point 55, the gears are out of mesh and the strainer tubes are in a inasliing position.

Besides the indicator points 55, 56 and 57, I have arranged a position indicating mechanism in the rear of the dial B8, which serves to designate the adjustment of the agitators and strainer tubes. This mechanism as shown in Figs. 1S, 19 and Q0, consists of tivo cranks 5S'and 59 mounted on thedial so as to rock thereon and adapted to close an opening 60 in the dial When in one position. The cranks 59 are connected by a series of thin connecting rods 61-62 and 63 and are shifted by the movementiof the indicating hand 4t2. The various positions of the indicating mechanism are shown in Figs. il to 24 inclusive.

iThe straining tubes are used at the close of the niashing to retain the grains and While the tubes and stirrers may be altered in their position While in motion itis not advisable to so alter them. Usually they are adjusted when the machine is at rest.

The index arm is manually moved and controls the rocking of the shaft 34:.

lVhile" I have illustrated kand described a preferred form of construction for carrying my invention into effect, this is capable of a Wide range of variation, alteration, modification'and change Without departing from the spirit of my invention. Itherefore, do not Wish to be limited to the construction herein shown and described but desire to avail myself of all such variations, alterations, modifications and changes as fairly fall Within the scope of the appended claims or may be construed to be Within the scope thereof by invoking the doctrine of equivalents. Y

VYhat I claim as my invention and desire to secure by Letters Patent is l. In a machine of the class described, the combination of'a tank, straining and agitating mechanism insid tank, means for adjusting said straining and agitating mechanism and controlling mechanism yfor said adjusting means.

2. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a tank, straining and agitating mechanism in said tank, inea-ns for adjusting said straining and agitating mechanism, and controlling mechanism for said adjusting means, located on the eXtei-ior of the tank.

3. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a tank. straining and agitating mechanism in said tank, means for adjusting saidsti'aining and agitating mechnism including a shaft rotatably mounted iii a lined position, a movable shaft shiftable relatively to the fixed shaft, and a controller for shifting said movable shaft.

il. In a machine of the class described, the

combination of a tank, straining and agitating mechanism in said tank, means for ad justing said straining and agitating mechanism including a shaft rotatably'inounted in a fixed position, a longitudinally movable shaft shiftable relatively to 'the fixed shaft,

and a controller for shifting said movable l shaft. f

in a machine of the class described, the

combination of a tank, straining and agitatl ing mechanism iii said tank, means for adjusting said straining and agitating mechnism including aV vertical shaft rotatably mounted in a fixed position, a longitudinally shiftable horizontal shaft, gears respectively mounted ori said shafts, and adapted to be engaged. or disengaged by the shifting of said horizontal shaft. and means for shifting said horizontal shaft.

6. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a tank, straining and agitating mechanism in said tank, means for adjustiugsaid straining and agit-ating mechanism including a. vvertical shaft rotatably mounted in a fixed position, a longitudinally shiltable horizontal shaft, gears respectively mounted on said shafts and adapted to be engaged or disengaged lr-y the shitting ot said horizontal shaft, and a controller having means for shitting said horizontal shalt.

.7. in a machine of the class described the combination of a tank, straining and tating mechanism in said ta nk, means 'for listing said straining and agitating mechsm including a vertical sha'l't rotatably t in a lined position, a longitudinally shiitaole horizontal shaft, gears resnectirely i i i on said shaits and adapted to be engage( or dise gaged by the shifting ot said horizontal shalt, and a controller having cani means for shitting shaft.

S. ln a machine of the class described, the eombin ation oi a tank, strainin g and agit-ating mechanism in said tank, means for adjusting said straining and agitating mechanism including a vertical shaft rotatably mounted in a lifted position, a longitudinally shit'tableI horizontal shaft, gears yspectively inounted on said shi and adapte l to be engaged or dise waged by the shifting ot said horizonsaid horizontal t, a controlle having a series ot cams i shitting sa .id hor zontal shaft.

3. in a machine ot he class described, the

combination at a tanl straining and agitating mechanism in said tank, means or adjusting said straining and i g'tating mechanism including a` vertical aft rotatably mounted in ay lined position, a longitudinally shiftable horizontal shaft, gears respectively mounted on said shafts and adapted to be engaged or disengaged by the `siiiiing of said horizontal shaft, an enlargement on said horizontal sha't't, and a controller hai'- ing means cooperating with said enlargement for shitting said horizontal shaft.

l0. in a machine oi' the class described, the combination ot a tank, straining and agitating` mechanism in said tank, means for adjusting said straining and agitating mechanism including a vertical shaft rotatably mounted in a fixed position, a longitudineu shiftabie horizontal shaft, gears respectively mounted on said shafts and adapted to be engaged or disengaged by the shifting of said horizontal shart, an enlargement on said horizontal shaft, and a controller having cam means coperating with said enlargement f r shitting said` horizontal shaft.

il. ln a machine of the class described, the combination of a tank, straining and a gitating mechanism in said tank, means lor adjusting said straining and agitating mechanism including a vertical shaft rotatably mounted in fined position, a longitudinallyY shiftable horizontal shaft, gears respectively mounted on said shafts and adapted to be engaged or disengaged by the shifting of horizontal shaft, an enlargement on horizontal shaft, and a controller havseries of arms coperating With said enlargement for shifting said horizontal that l2. ln a machine of the class described, the combination of a tank, straining and agitating mechanism in said tank, means :for adjusting said straining and agitating mechanism including a vertical shaft rotatably mounted in a fixed position, a longitudinally shiftable horizontal shaft, gears respectively mounted on said shafts and adapted to be engaged or disengaged by the shifting of' said horizontal shaft, an enlargement on said horizontal shaft, and ya controller having a cam arm cooperating vith said enlargement for shifting said horizontal siait.

13. lrn a machine of the class described, `the combination of a tank, straining and agitating mechanism in said tank, means for adjnstin said straining and agitating mechanism including a vertical shaft rotatably mounted in a fixed position, a longitudinail)Y shittable horizontal shaft, gears respectively mounted on said shafts and adapted to be engaged or disengaged by the shitting oi said horizontal shaft, an enlargement on said horizontal shaft, and a controller having a. cam arm cooperating With said enlargement for shitting said horizontal shaft, and another cam arm for shifting said shaft in an opposite direction.

lei. In a machine` the combination ot a tank, straining and agitating mechanism in said tank, means for adjusting said straining and agitating mechanism including a ifertical shaft rotatably mounted in a lixed position, a longitudinally shiftable horizontal shait, gears respectivelyY mounted on said shafts and adapted to be engaged or disengaged by the shitting of said horizontal shaft, a central cam arm for shifting said sha-ft in one direction and tiro oppositely extending lateral cam arms for shifting the shaft in the opposite direction.

15. ln a machine of the class described,` a mash agitating mechanism in said tank, means for adjusting said agitating mechanism, and cam controlling means for said adjusting` mechanism.

16. ln a machine of the class described, a tank agitating mechanism in said tank, means for adjusting said agit-ating mechanism including a longitudinally movable shaft, and controlling mechanism for said adjusting means having an indicator hand and shaft shifting cams connected to Vsaid. indicator hand. c

17. ln a machine of the class described, a tank agitating mechanism in said tank, means for adjusting said agitating mechaot the class described,r

nism including` a longitudinally movable shaft, and controlling mechanism for said adjusting means having a dial, an indicator hand pivotally mounted in said dial and shaft shifting cams connected to said indicator' hand.

1S. In a machine of the class described, a tank agitating mechanism in said tank, means for adjusting said agita-ting mechanismV including a longitudinally movable shaft, and controlling mechanism for said adj usting means having a dial, an indicator hand pivotally mounted in said dial and shaft shifting cams connected to said indicator hand, and adapted to more the shaft in either direction.

19. In a machine of the class described, a tank, a central vertical shaft in said tank, revoluble agitating mechanism arranged within the tank and mounted on the shaft, means for adjusting said agitating mechanism including a short vertical shaft on one side of the central shaft having a gear Wheel, a horizontal shaft having a gear Wheel adapted to mesh with the gear Wheel on the short verticalshaft, and controlling mechanism for shifting the horizontal shaft into or out of meshing position relatively to the short vertical shaft.

20. In a machine of the class described, a tank, a central vert-ical shaft in said tank, revoluble agitatingmechanism arranged Within the tank and mounted on the shaft, means for adjusting said agitating mechanism including a short vertical shaft on one side 0f the central shaft having a gear wheel, a horizontal shaft having a gear Wheel adapted to mesh With the gear Wheel on the short vertical shaft, and cam mechanism for shifting the horizontal shaft into or out of meshing position relatively to the short vertical shaft.

21. In a machine of the class described, the combination With revoluble agitating mechanism, of means for adjusting said agitating` mechanism, and a controller' for said adjusting means.

22. In a machine of the class described, agitating mechanism comprising a. frame having arms, a series of blade agitators hung pendant from said arms and strainer tubes suspended at intervals between said blade agitators.

23. In a machine of the class described, agitating mechanism comprising a frame, having arms, a series of blade agitators Vhung pendant from said arms, and strainer tubes suspended at intervals between said blade agitators, each of said strainer tubes having a removable perforated bottom.

24. In a machine of the class described, agitating mechanism comprising a frame having arms, a series of blade agitators hung pendant from said arms and strainer tubes suspended at intervals between said blade agitators, each of said strainer tubes having a removable perforated bottom detachably secured to said bottom by a bayonet lock.

25. In a machine of the class described, agitating mechanism comprising a frame having arms, a series of blade agitators hung pendant from said arms and strainer tubes suspended at intervals betvveen said blade agitators, each of said strainer tubes having af removable perforated bottom and a movable top cover.

26. In a machine of the class described, agitating mechanism comprising a frame having arms, a series of blade agitators hung pendant from said arms and strainer tubes suspended at intervals between said blade agitators, each of said strainer tubes having a removable top coverprovided With a supporting sleeve at one side thereof and a pivot pin for securing said supporting sleeve to the frame arm.

27. In a machine of the class described, agitating mechanism comprising a frame having arms, a series of blade agitators hung pendant from said arms and strainer tubes suspended at intervals between said blade agitators, each of said strainer tubes having a movable top cover.

28. In a machine of the class described, agitating mechanism comprising a frame having arms, a series of blade agitators hung pendant from said arms and strainer tubes suspended at intervals between said blade agitators, each of said strainer tubes having a movable top cover and means for shifting said cover.

29. In a machine of the class described, agitating mechanism comprising a frame having an arm, a strainer tube suspended from said arm, and a movable top cover for said tube.

30. In a machine of the class described, agitating mechanism comprising a frame having an arm, a strainer tube suspended from said arm, and a removable bottom for said tube.

31. In a machine of the class described, agitating mechanism comprising a frame having an arm, a strainer tube suspended from said arm, and a top and bottom for said tube, both of which are movable relatively to said tube.

32. In a machine of the class described, agitating mechanism comprising a frame having an arm, a strainer tube suspended from said arm, and a top and bottom for said tube one of which is detachable from the tube and the other of which is movable relatively to the tube.

33. In a machine of the class described, agitating mechanism comprising a frame having an arm and a strainer tube suspended from said arm and provided with movable top and bottom covers.

34. In a machine of the class described,

agitating mechanism, means for adjusting said adjusting means, and position indisaid agitating mechanism, a controller for eating means operatively connected to the 10 said adjustingmeans, and position indicatcontroller, and including pivoted indicating means operatively connected to the con4 ing arms and a rod connecting said arms.

tioller. in testimony Whereoil I have. afiixed my 35. In a machine oi the class described, signature. agitating mechanism, means for adjusting Chicago March ll, 1916.

said agitating mechanism, a controller for ANDREAS R. KELLER.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D. C. 

